The Story of the Gingerbread Houses: An AFCEA Washington, DC Tradition
2013 Lincoln Memorial
2014 Naval Academy Chapel
2011 Capitol Building
2014 West Point Cadet Chapel
This time of year, gingerbread houses are prevalent. You can purchase building kits at local craft stores. Many venues showcase their pastry chef’s creative, architectural wonders. The delightful scent of cinnamon and nutmeg combines with the seasonal fir to create the classic smell of winter.
AFCEA Washington, DC joined this tradition in 2009, when it first began including massive, elaborate gingerbread houses at our annual Winter Gala. “I am a repeatedly drawn to the amazing tradition of the gingerbread houses, not only as beautiful pieces of art, but for their ability to bring people together as a common talking point. It is a great start to connect with people,” Anthony Robbins, Winter Gala chairman noted.
AFCEA Washington, DC joined this tradition in 2009, when it first began including massive, elaborate gingerbread houses at our annual Winter Gala. “I am a repeatedly drawn to the amazing tradition of the gingerbread houses, not only as beautiful pieces of art, but for their ability to bring people together as a common talking point. It is a great start to connect with people,” Anthony Robbins, Winter Gala chairman noted.
Planning for the gingerbread houses begins with design discussions during the summer with the caterer. Windows Catering shared "the AFCEA gingerbread houses take about three months to design, bake, build and decorate. This year’s structures measure about 2.5 feet wide and nearly 5 feet long, with the exception of one that will be nearly 30 feet round. We have a very talented artist/architect/ partner that creates to-scale models of each structure. Then, our team of bakers bake sheets and sheets of gingerbread. Each house may use 10–30 gingerbread cookie sheets to create the structure. Once the structure is in place, all cemented by more than 15 gallons of royal icing, the Windows team goes to work to add the whimsical candy magic to bring the houses to life.”
Since 2013, in coordination with USO of Metropolitan Washington, the gingerbread houses are delivered to Ft. Belvoir Community Hospital, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Fisher House and the Children’s Hospital so patients and their families can continue to admire their splendor after the event.
“The giant gingerbread houses add so much to the festive atmosphere of our USO Warrior and Family Centers at Fort Belvoir and Bethesda,” said Elaine Rogers CEO and President of the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore. “Military families throughout the region come to admire them and take photos. It’s a real treat to watch the children marvel over the size and beauty of these magnificent works of art.”
In 2016, we look forward to showcasing the gingerbread houses highlighting hidden treasures in Washington, DC. We can’t wait for attendees to look through our shop windows and spy these gingerbread masterpieces. Confused? You’ll have to come to the Winter Gala on Thursday, December 15 to make sense of it!
About the Gala
The AFCEA Washington, DC Winter Gala started in 1975 with the hopes of bringing together government, military and industry to celebrate the holiday season with friends and colleagues. After 40 years of continued tradition, the Washington, DC Chapter of AFCEA has donated over $2.3 million to local student scholarships and STEM programs. Recently, AFCEA Washington, DC has partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program to provide holiday gifts to children in need.
About AFCEA Washington, DC
The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) Washington, DC Chapter largely focuses on the Department of Defense, intelligence community, national security and military health related agencies. Chapter activities include nine monthly breakfast programs featuring a panel of government and military leaders. AFCEA Washington, DC also hosts the annual Winter Gala and Spring Military IT Leadership Awards. Additionally, the chapter hosts three technology summits, and has an active Small Business Committee, which hosts a series of networking Breakfast Clubs.
Furthermore, the chapter awards a number of STEM scholarships for graduating high school seniors and science teaching grants to Washington, DC-area high schools. AFCEA Washington, DC also supports McKinley Technical High School in their mission to become a nationally recognized STEM High School. The chapter provides two Zelinger Awards to McKinley High School students who exemplify the core values of the institution based on teacher nominations.
The Young AFCEA Washington, DC Chapter holds professional development events, co-hosts the annual West Point Leadership and Ethics Symposium for local high school students, and holds a number of networking events throughout the year.
Furthermore, the chapter awards a number of STEM scholarships for graduating high school seniors and science teaching grants to Washington, DC-area high schools. AFCEA Washington, DC also supports McKinley Technical High School in their mission to become a nationally recognized STEM High School. The chapter provides two Zelinger Awards to McKinley High School students who exemplify the core values of the institution based on teacher nominations.
The Young AFCEA Washington, DC Chapter holds professional development events, co-hosts the annual West Point Leadership and Ethics Symposium for local high school students, and holds a number of networking events throughout the year.